Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip

Reviewed · COMINO & THE BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip

4.9 · 307 reviews 3 hours From $293 Operated by Outdoor Explorers Malta Gozo Comino Boat trips · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A Blue Lagoon day can be chaos. This one is private, with time to actually swim and snorkel—plus stops around Comino and Gozo without the big-boat crowd. I especially like the way it’s built around your pace: shade on board, Bluetooth audio, and the freedom to linger when the water is perfect.

There’s one trade-off to plan for: fuel is not included (you pay €79 to the skipper after the tour) and the trip runs only when weather cooperates. In a busy season, those two details matter more than you think.

Key things that make this private Comino and Gozo boat trip work

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Key things that make this private Comino and Gozo boat trip work

  • Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, away from the masses: anchored stops where you can choose when to jump in.
  • Snorkel setup included: mask and snorkel gear are provided so you can spend less time preparing.
  • Comfort you feel fast: shade, cushioned seating, and an ice cooler on board.
  • Captain-driven sightseeing: caves, coves, and Gozo coastline stops shaped by your group.
  • Up to 7 people per boat: private does not mean packed, even with a small group.
  • Lagoon permits included: it’s set up for access, not just sightseeing from outside the water.

More Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trips we have swum and snorkelled off

A 3-hour private charter that’s actually worth your time in Malta

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - A 3-hour private charter that’s actually worth your time in Malta
If you’re basing your Malta plan around Comino’s famous water, you’re probably imagining postcard-blue views. Good. Now imagine getting those views without sharing your day with a floating wedding of tour groups. That’s what this private charter does best.

You get a 3-hour outing that focuses on swimming, snorkeling, and coastal scenery, rather than treating the lagoons like a quick photo stop. And since it’s private, the captain can aim for calmer moments—either by timing, by anchoring in the right spots, or just by matching your pace. Many skippers in this style of trip (I saw names like Justin, Luca, Jimmy, and Momo pop up in real experiences) also use the cruise time to point out sea-cave features and local details, so you’re not just drifting between Instagram points.

One more practical win: it’s short enough that it doesn’t eat your whole day. In Malta, you’ll often lose time to transfers and crowds; here, you lose less time, and the time you keep is on the water.

Where you meet and how the start point changes your day

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Where you meet and how the start point changes your day
You’ll meet your skipper near the Cirkewwa kiosk (this is the standard meeting point listed). The trip is also flexible in where it starts: you can begin from Cirkewwa port in Malta or Mgarr port in Gozo. When you book, you choose the start, and you’ll want to line that up with where you’re staying.

Why this matters:

  • Starting from Malta (Cirkewwa) can be easier if you’re already on the main island and want to keep logistics simple.
  • Starting from Gozo (Mgarr) can feel smoother if you’re spending time in Gozo already, because it reduces the need to backtrack.

Either way, you’re driving to a marina, meeting your captain, and then you’re out on the water. There’s also free parking at the meeting point, which is a small detail that can save real stress, especially if you’re arriving by car.

The boat setup: shade, Bluetooth, cooler, and easy swim access

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - The boat setup: shade, Bluetooth, cooler, and easy swim access
This isn’t just a motor and a rope ladder. The boat is set up for comfort and quick water time. You get:

  • Shade on board (so you’re not roasting between swim stops)
  • Bluetooth audio, so you can bring your own soundtrack
  • An ice cooler with ice (use it for drinks you bring)
  • Life jacket and snorkel gear included

In real experiences, people consistently mention the feel of the boat being roomy for small groups—one review highlighted how spacious the boat felt for a group of 7. Another practical point that comes up is that getting in and out of the water is straightforward; one person noted ladders on the back of the boat made it easier if you’re cautious about open-water entry.

That combo—shade + gear + easy access—changes how the day feels. You don’t waste half your time on logistics. You spend it where the water is.

More Gozo day trips we have caught the ferry across for

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: how to plan your swim time

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon: how to plan your swim time
These two names get famous for a reason. The big advantage of doing it by private boat is that you’re not stuck with a fixed “everyone jump at once” rhythm.

Here’s what the experience is built around:

  • Blue Lagoon: the classic Comino water, usually the main pull
  • Crystal Lagoon: clear, bright water that people often find even more relaxing once they’re in it
  • Anchoring in calmer zones: you stop far enough from the busiest areas that swimming feels peaceful

You’ll also get time to snorkel, and the snorkel/mask being included is a real value add. If you have your own gear, great—but if you don’t, you’re not paying extra or scrambling last minute.

When you’re in the water, think about how you want to use those 3 hours:

  • If you love swimming and photos, ask for a longer anchor time at the lagoon that looks best to your group at that moment.
  • If you want snorkeling, use your first swim stop to get comfortable with entry and breathing, then refine where you look once you’re relaxed.

A funny but useful tip from the real vibe of this trip: people love going early to dodge the worst of the crowds and the strongest sun. If your schedule allows, a morning start gives you the best “quiet water, bright views” combo.

Caves, coves, and Cominotto: where the views turn special

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Caves, coves, and Cominotto: where the views turn special
After you clear the main lagoon pulls, this charter leans into what makes Comino’s coastline interesting beyond the postcard water. You’ll cruise along parts of Comino’s shore and likely pass by sea caves, coves, and beaches where the rock shapes create that “how is this so blue?” effect.

One of my favorite things about this kind of itinerary is that it’s not just about being near the water—it’s about moving along the coastline and finding sheltered spots. Caves and coves change the feel of the swim. In protected areas, the water can feel calmer, and the colors can look different depending on the angle of light.

Also, you’re not limited to Comino alone. The tour includes Cominotto as well. That matters because the island-hopping feel keeps the day from turning into one long “same water, same photos” loop. With a good captain (names like Mahmud, Pedro, and Buffen come up often in accounts), the route can feel like a tour of the coastline’s best moods.

And yes, there can be opportunities to go for a bigger moment if your group wants it—some people mention cliff-jump style fun in the right spots. If that’s not your scene, you can still have the same day: swim, snorkel, relax, and take pictures.

Gozo’s southern shores by boat: bays, sea caves, and calmer scenery

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Gozo’s southern shores by boat: bays, sea caves, and calmer scenery
Gozo isn’t just for land lovers. On this tour, you’ll cruise parts of Gozo’s southern shores, with views of unspoiled beaches, tranquil bays, and sea caves from the water.

Why do this by boat?

  • You see Gozo’s coast at an angle that’s hard to replicate from roads.
  • You can pause at viewpoints and then actually get in the water where conditions suit you.
  • It adds variety after Comino’s lagoons, so your day feels like more than one highlight.

It also helps you understand Gozo’s coastline as a connected system: cliffs, bays, and caves aren’t random—they’re shaped by how water has carved the shore over time. Many captains add facts and amusing details as you travel, and people specifically mention history-style anecdotes during the cruise.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests—one person wants snorkeling, another just wants scenery—this part can be the compromise zone. Even when you’re not snorkeling, the boat ride itself is part of the attraction.

Snorkeling with included gear: what you need to know beforehand

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Snorkeling with included gear: what you need to know beforehand
Because snorkel and mask are provided, you’re mostly set. Still, here are the practical things I’d plan for:

  • Bring towel and beachwear. You’ll dry off between swims and you’ll want comfort once you’re back onboard.
  • Expect the water to feel different by time of day. One review specifically called the water cold, but also said it was worth it—so don’t plan like it’s just a warm pool.
  • If you’re new to snorkeling, start with slow breaths right after you get in. Your confidence improves fast.

The “away from crowds” aspect helps here too. When there are fewer people in the water, it’s easier to find a comfortable spot and actually look around.

Also, you’re not limited to snorkeling. If you’d rather just swim, you can. This charter format tends to work because the captain can steer you to either the snorkeling-friendly water or the relaxed swimming zones, depending on what your group wants that hour.

Music, drinks, and the feel of a private day

A small detail becomes a big memory. You can play music through the Bluetooth audio system, and the ice cooler is there for drinks you bring. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring what you want for your own comfort.

In practice, that means:

  • If you’re celebrating (or just tired of tourist-food logistics), you can keep the vibe going.
  • If you’re traveling with kids, it’s easier to keep the energy positive between swim stops.
  • If your group is a bit mixed (some chatty, some quiet), the boat supports all of it.

The best part is that the privacy makes the whole thing feel like your day, not someone else’s schedule. People repeatedly highlight that captains are friendly and accommodating—names like Ginger, Momo, Jimmy, and Luca show up in real notes about the atmosphere and the way the captain keeps things safe and fun.

Price and value: when €79 fuel makes sense and when it doesn’t

Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip - Price and value: when €79 fuel makes sense and when it doesn’t
The listed price is $293 per group up to 7 for a 3-hour private boat tour. Then there’s fuel not included—you pay €79 to the skipper after the tour.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

  • For a full boat (close to 7 people), the cost per person drops fast, and the private factor becomes a bargain compared with public cruises packed with strangers.
  • For two people, you’re paying for privacy, and it’s not cheap. But if you care about timing, quiet swims, and a captain who can adjust to your preferences, it can still be worth it.

The big reason this works as a purchase is that the money buys you time on water where it matters: lagoon swims, snorkeling, and coves/caves. You’re not paying extra just to be transported between sights.

Also, a practical note: since lagoon permits are included, you’re not paying separate fees that can pop up on other day trips.

Who should book this private Comino and Gozo boat trip

This is a great fit if you want:

  • Quiet swimming and snorkeling without tour-boat crowds
  • A short, focused outing (3 hours) that doesn’t swallow your entire day
  • A small-group private experience, even with kids or a mixed-age group
  • A captain who can tailor stops—people mention personalization when interest is snorkeling, photo-time, or just relaxed floating

It might not be the best fit if:

  • You’re traveling solo and want the cheapest possible option (private pricing is still private pricing).
  • You’re on a tight schedule where weather delays could cause problems. The tour is weather dependent, so keep your day flexible if you can.

Should you book it? My take

Book this trip if your ideal Malta day includes real time in the water and you’d rather trade crowds for calm, even if it costs more than a public boat. The private format, included snorkel gear, shade, and the ability to choose your pace make this feel like a high-value use of your time in the islands.

Skip it (or swap to a different style) if you mainly want quick sightseeing from a distance and you don’t care much about swimming or snorkeling. In that case, a short public cruise might satisfy you for less money.

If you can, go with a full or near-full group. That’s when the private pricing feels most fair, and you’ll get the best “we have the boat to ourselves” payoff.

FAQ

How long is the Malta: Crystal/Blue Lagoon, Comino & Gozo Private Boat Trip?

The trip duration is 3 hours.

What is the starting price and group size?

The price is $293 per group, for up to 7 people. Prices are per boat, not per person.

Where do we meet the skipper?

You meet your skipper next to the Cirkewwa kiosk.

Can we start the trip from Gozo instead of Malta?

Yes. The start point can be either Cirkewwa port in Malta or Mgarr port in Gozo, and you should indicate which you prefer when booking.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are the private boat tour, marina fees, skipper to drive the boat, permits for the lagoons, free snorkel and mask, life jacket, and an ice cooler with ice. Free parking at the meeting point is also included.

What is not included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food and drinks are not included. Fuel is not included.

How much is the fuel cost and when do we pay it?

Fuel is €79, and it is paid to the skipper after the tour.

Are snorkel gear and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkel and mask are provided, and life jackets are included.

What should we bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes, the tour is subject to weather conditions.